Have you ever met a teacher who’s been everywhere and done it all? That’s Mr. Douglas Gillispie, our amazing CSI and science teacher. With 23 years of teaching experience, he’s had quite a journey—starting out as a professional basketball player in Spain. Yep, you read that right. From slam dunks to science labs, Mr. Gillespie’s story is one-of-a-kind.

After a year of playing pro basketball in Spain, Mr. Gillispie returned to the U.S. and decided to share his passion for biology with students. He began his teaching career in Harrisonville, where he spent three years before joining BSHS in 2016. Teaching wasn’t a random choice for him, though; it runs in the family. His dad was a coach, his mom and uncles were teachers, and so is his sister. It seems like teaching is in his DNA!

Mr. Gillispie chose science because it’s all about making a difference. Whether it’s helping students grasp tricky concepts or watching them grow, he’s fully invested. Plus, let’s be honest—teaching gives him summers off to travel, which he loves. Not many jobs allow you to explore the world like that!

What makes Mr. Gillispie’s job awesome? It’s those moments when a student finally gets it—the lightbulb moment when they say, “Ohhh, I understand now!” He also loves helping students who are struggling find their footing and happiness. Those moments are what make it all worthwhile for him.

Of course, teaching isn’t always easy. The hardest part for Mr. Gillispie? Dealing with students who don’t seem to care. Imagine spending hours helping someone, only for them to throw their work on the floor. It’s frustrating! But he knows every student has a backstory, and understanding that helps him stay patient and keep trying.

After 23 years, would he choose teaching again? Absolutely. Sure, there are challenges—like dealing with politics and teacher pay—but the good outweighs the bad. Helping students grow, learn, and succeed is something he’d never trade.

Here are some fun facts about Mr. Gillispie:

• He’s been a teacher for 23 years.

• He played pro basketball in Spain. How cool is that?

• He loves to travel and makes the most of his summers.

• His favorite moments are when students finally “get it.”

• He’s all about understanding his students’ backstories.

Mr. Gillispie isn’t just a teacher; he’s a coach, a mentor, and someone who genuinely cares about his students. Whether he’s teaching science or helping on the court, he’s always there to make a difference. So, next time you see him, give him a high-five and thank him for being awesome!